The Uganda Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (USPCA) is a non-governmental organization established in 1998 to respond to the immediate needs of abandoned, stray and sick cats and dogs whilst simultaneously tackling the root causes of the large population of strays. We work with communities and schools to support a healthier pet population. The USPCA runs Uganda’s only animal shelter, The Haven, which receives animals from across the country. The animals are rehabilitated before being rehomed.

Responsibilities & Duties

The Veterinarian Coach teaches and mentors the Veterinarian to be able to perform all basic duties, such as:

• Examining animals to diagnose their health problems
• Treating and dressing wounds
• Performing surgery on animals (most commonly- spays/ neuters, amputations, dental etc.)
• Giving vaccinations
• Giving a high level of customer service to owners of private patients
• Advising animal owners about general care, medical conditions, and treatments
• Prescribing medication
• Euthanizing animals (the USPCA only euthanizes animals when it is deemed to be in their best interests-i.e. following serious road traffic accidents or when an animal exhibits extreme violent behaviours)
• Prioritizing cases to ensure that all animals receive time sensitive care
• Keeping accurate records

The Veterinarian Coach teaches and mentors the Clinic Assistant to be able to perform all basic duties, such as:

• Preparing animals for surgery
• Assisting during surgery
• Inducing sedation and monitoring patients under general anaesthesia during and after surgery
• Maintaining a clean and sterile environment
• Preparing forms and keeping records
• Administering treatments following the instructions of the veterinarian
• Identifying shelter animals requiring veterinary attention
• Initiating emergency procedures (i.e. first aid for animals after fights)
• Performing health parameter checks before admission and during the course of treatment
• Complete ear cleanings and nail trims

It is also hoped that the Veterinarian Coach will review all processes and procedures currently in place, working with the new Veterinarian and Clinic Assistant to update these and create new processes where needed.

Qualifications & Skills

To be successful in this role you will need to be a qualified Veterinarian with at least three years post qualifying experience. In addition, you will have:

• The ability to coach and mentor others (previous experience preferred but not necessary)
• Good interpersonal skills, ability to demonstrate both diplomacy and tact as well as assertiveness and strong direction when needed
• Good communication skills in both written and oral English
• High levels of patience, determination and tenacity
• The ability to problem solve and work in a low resource environment with limited access to equipment, medication and supplies

Special Circumstances of the Role

• The USPCA can provide accommodation for the volunteer Veterinarian Coach. The volunteer will have a private room in a two bedroomed apartment belonging to a USPCA supporter. The apartment is of a very high standard and has air conditioning and back up generator.
• The volunteer will need to pay for all other costs including flights and living expenses. Unfortunately, the USPCA has extremely limited funding and is unable to cover these costs.
• The clinic operates six days a week, however we would expect the volunteer to work five days a week.